A D Cruize's Discussions

Given the notion that a Steampunk 101 panel at a non-Steampunk convention is primarily for newcomers and civilians that are interested in, or curious about our culture, what topics do you think should or should not be covered in a 50 or 80 minute…Continue

And is there a difference? Is a steampunker one that steampunks things, while Steampunk describes a state of being? Can one be a Steampunk without being a steampunker and vice versa?It seems that context would be enough to distinguish between the…Continue

Please forgive me if there is already a discussion thread on Safety. My cursory searches have not found any. Here are some general guidelines that should cover most situations. The text is below and it is also attached as a .pdf file. Please feel…Continue

Do come in - we've been expecting you. And, please, call me CRUIZE.

A D Cruize's Photos

Profile Information

Introduction

PANEL RESUME IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

The persona:
Adam Douglass Cruize here. Currently assigned to the 42nd Airship Battalion of the Mother Earth Air Navy.
There are no ranks in the M.E.A.N. - just duties.
Although certified as Chief Engineer and Sr. Navigator aboard the big ships, most of my assignments are reconnaissance - with lots of time on terra firma.
My certs qualify me for anything aboard a small flyer, so I still get into the skies enough without crewing on the big ships.
These days it's really all about working to foil the pirates and other bullies.

The person:
Industrial physicist / design engineer.
Lover of good fiction, art, music and good times.

Latest Activity

"Looks like I will be presenting and it seems as if my "Science of Adhesion" Panel will be included. This is an excellent and must attend panel for makers of all ilks. Please attend and be sure to introduce yourself! "

"I plan to attend Spa-Con in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA: 23 - 25 Sept 2016.
http://www.spa-con.org/
May not attend Sunday, but should be good for the rest!
If you see me, please introduce yourself.
I may do my Steampunk Klingon since…"

The Steampunk and Makers Fair is part costume play, science & county fair, and part something entirely new, The Steampunk & Makers Fair is an all-ages festival by hosted by Cite des Arts and the Lafayette Science Museum to showcase and celebrate science, technology, education, art and mathematics. The Steampunk and Makers Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 5 & 6, 2016 in Downtown Lafayette, LA at Parc International (200 Garfield St).Steampunk celebrates 19th century…See More

"I use a hooked linoleum knife for the thick (9 to 10oz and up), dense, latigo/saddle type leather that I hone to keep it sharp. The hook helps greatly in that one can pull and cut better rather than push. With a bit of practice it handles curves and…"

"I use my rotary cutters a lot - very precise! For small curved edges, the smaller diameters (e.g. 28mm) work best; for long straight edges 45mm or 60mm. Just make sure you hold the cutter exactly perpendicular to the leather so you get a nice…"

Greeting Commodore Cruize! It has been some time since I last spoke to you. I no longer reside In El Paso, I have since moved the family airship to Boise, Idaho. I however have continued my alliances with my Southwestern friends and would like to continue to be part of the 42nd Airship battalion. May this new year bring you many news adventures, hope that I may see you at some distance convention in the future. Cheers.

Cruize my good man... Pardon my delayed response, I was caught in a temporal rift that lasted most of March. I am temporarily free, however time being time the rift could re-emerge at any moment. I too did not make WWWCon this year. I communicated with Mother around the time of WWW and she was wondering why we weren't there yet. Speaking of Thereyet give my regards to Arewe'.

I have talen your advice to heart regarding how I post The Aether Chronicle. But I am having trouble: how do people "Follow" my discussion? I do not see that option available. Also, you mentioned possibly having to post a date in the discussion, to be sure people receive updates? If you could clarify these points any further I would greatly appreciate it.

Panel Resume

All panels are rated "G" and place strong emphases on Safety. References to "maturity" below describe the panel itself - not a rating for attendees. We have presented at: Comicpalooza, RealmsCon, Space City Con, Twisted Gears, The Difference Engine, Aeolo Expo, Apollocon, and ConDFW.

Panel Descriptions:

The Science of Adhesion: Much more than "use glue xyz to stick this to that." This lecture explains in lay terms why adhesives and paints do, and sometimes don't, stick where we want them. This panel has been presented enough times to have matured very nicely and audience response has been excellent. Looking for scientists (especially away for the Houston area) to help with this and present it on their own when Cruize is not available.

Toy-to-Prop Modification: This is a "make & take' panel that usually charges $8 - $10 (includes sales tax ~ buying the toy is optional). Plastic toy guns are prepped and ready for decoration. A short demonstration is given and, while paid participants decorate their new treasure, Thereyet & Cruize describe the plastic preparation process in detail. This panel has been presented several times and the quality of the finished props is amazing. We have a State Sales Tax I.D. only for Texas at this time.

Intro to Latex Prosthetics: This panel shows attendees how to make a costuming prosthetic, such as Klingon brow ridges or Bajoran nose ridges, using affordable supplies from a costume shop and a few items from the drugstore. Has only been presented once but that went well - this is going to mature into a good one.

Intro to Ballroom Waltz: This panel teaches 3 - 4 basic Waltz steps and is designed to have non-dancers holding their own in 3/4 time at the end of the hour. All equipment can be provided but a PA system eliminates the need to drag an amp around. Adequate floor space is needed - when preceding a dance or Ball, the dance floor for that event is perfect. This one has been presented enough times to be considered very mature and it has been quite popular.

Intro to East Coast Swing (Jitterbug): A dance workshop very much like the waltz above. Has only been presented once so far and it went quite well.

Intro to Ballroom Foxtrot: A dance workshop very much like the waltz above. Has only been presented once so far and it went quite well.

How to Give Successful Panels and Presentations: Designed to inspire individual growth and encourage higher quality panels at conventions. This is a mature panel that has been given several times and a team of Panel Panel Panelists is in place to present this in the Houston Area. It can easily be stretched to 1-1/2 or 2 hours upon request (the last go was 1-1/2 hrs). A good choice for late Friday or early Sunday.

Intro to Ballroom Rumba: A dance workshop very much like the waltz above. Has been presented once so far and it went OK. Not a first choice for dance panels - Waltz, Swing and Foxtrot should get preference. Surprisingly, most Rave-style music has a perfect Rumba beat.

Intro to Working with Leather: A very basic presentation that tells how to get started with emphasis on tooling/carving the leather (adding designs to vegetable tanned cowhide). Not a hands-on workshop. Includes information on start-up costs. Presented three times so far and has matured nicely.

Steampunk Maker: Covers most of the basics to get started making props. Includes many tips and tricks and emphasizes tools and start-up costs. Steampunk specific content is minimal. Presented once so far - the room was packed and attendees loved it. Could be titled "Intro to Prop Making".

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Starts with a brief presentation followed by a generous period of Q & A. Finishes with an in-depth presentation on backyard metal casting and DYI mold-making.

The Science of Lighter Than Air-Ships: For Steampunks, Steampunk authors and anyone interested in science. Starts with a brief history of lighter than air flight. Covers the basic science and then goes into materials selection for the real deal or RC models.

How Would the World Be if Geeks & Nerds Ran It?: Originally presented as "Real World Survival Guide for Geeks and Nerds". Not sure where this panel wants to go, but it seems to need doing. Very immature panel - need to give it a few more times before it "finds itself". Currently has lots of audience participation - expect it to stay that way.

Steampunk in Houston: Designed to give some insight into the local culture. This has been given three times and is informal & very flexible. Can easily be done in 1/2 hour. Always includes Q & A. One hour version includes a short meet & greet. A good choice for Sunday afternoon.

Panels "on the drawing board": These can be "whipped up" with 6 - 8 weeks notice.

~ Zen and the Art of Steampunk (could be titled Steampunk Zengineering)

~ The Life & Literature of:

~ H. P. Lovecraft

~ H. G. Wellls

~ Jules Verne

- Pioneers of Science Fiction (Verne, Wells, Lovecraft)

~ A Little More Waltz: A brief review of Intro and then focus on the Natural & Reverse Turns

~ Intro to Ballroom Cha-Cha

~ Intro to Ballroom Tango

~ DIY Kilt Making

~ Science & Science Fiction in Superhero Comics

~ Careers is Science, Engineering, Technology & Math

~ Introduction to Steampunk

~ Not on the drawing board, but other Steampunk topics (except gaming & LARP)

Credentials and Ancillary info:

A D Cruize has been involved in Steampunk since late 2010 and has been presenting panels and workshops at conventions for much of that time. Cruize is an industrial physicist with 30+ years of design and development engineering experience. Almost all presentations are designed to run 50 minutes and include a handout with a panel outline and additional resources. Panel descriptions for Con programs are available upon request. He is willing to travel outside of Texas but likes to facilitate, and strongly encourages, development of local talent.

Cruize is happy to deliver Steampunk and non-Steampunk content that:

a) serves the community at large, and

b) promotes personal growth.

He is not a professional dance instructor - merely an enthusiast who understands that enthusiasm is contagious. He owns a tuxedo that he loves to wear with his top hat and has served as both a DJ and a Master of Ceremonies.